The Spanish produce sector faces increasing challenges due to climate change and competition, yet it remains central to Europe's fresh vegetable and fruit supply. Recent severe weather, especially heavy rains, has wreaked havoc on crops, prompting industry players to adjust their strategies for sourcing and sales.
Take, for example, the Gijbels family from Belgium, who runs several fresh produce companies, including cultivation operations based out of Tarragona, Spain. John Gijbels, the fourth-generation family member, recounts how the family business commenced operations nearly 75 years ago with humble door-to-door sales. "When my father saw the fertile fields of citrus and cauliflower in Tarragona, it made sense to partner with Catalan growers," he reflects, emphasizing the area's agricultural potential.
The Gijbels company has now established warehouses across Europe, specializing predominantly in fresh products sourced from Spain. Approximately 30% of their yields are exported to their Belgian wholesale operations, with the rest catering to various European markets. Gijbels notes the rising demand for Spanish produce, particularly clementines, which are gaining popularity across Scandinavia and the Balkans, thanks to their reputation for quality.
Yet, over the past year, industry players faced significant hurdles. Heavy rains early November 2023 devastated crops across Catalonia and Valencia, leading to shortages as fields flooded and seedlings were destroyed. John Gijbels mentions, "The recent rains... bring uncertainty. We, nevertheless, see it as an opportunity to learn how to improve the crop." He emphasizes the importance of adapting to weather conditions, stating somewhat optimistically, "The next few months will make us wiser."
Another key company, S.C. van Ravenswaaij, contributes to keeping the produce supply chain steady. Christiaan van Ravenswaaij, the company's third-generation leader, shared the perspective of the Dutch wholesale market, stating, "Prices were high after the storm due to supply problems." He imports large quantities of Spanish oranges and mandarins and praises the quality of the crop from Spain, especially varieties like Tango and Orri, which are favored for their flavor and visual appeal.
This sentiment reinforces the notion of quality over quantity. Christiaan notes the increasing trend among companies and parents to choose healthier snack options, which has led to heightened demand for mandarins. He quips, "Quality is key, and Spanish lemons, particularly brands like Fru Dino, are nailing it."
The recent storms did challenge S.C. van Ravenswaaij’s sourcing logistics, but Christiaan appreciates the dedication of his Spanish partners, saying, "Communication was excellent, and we never ran out of product." Though the Netherlands offers year-round cultivation for certain fruits, Spain operates as a fundamental partner providing counter-seasonal produce to meet specific market needs.
With Spain's produce sector bouncing back from climate-related challenges, there's optimism for the future. John Gijbels mentioned his intention to expand offerings, adding new herbs suited to Tarragona's unique climate, pursuing greater variety and resilience through diversification.
While the recent weather sporadically hampered yield and distribution, it also spotlighted the agility of the Spanish agricultural sector to pivot according to market demands and environmental constraints. Gijbels summed up their philosophy aptly, "The choice to believe is what moves us forward."
Looking forward, the sustainability of Spain's produce sector depends on both climate adaptation and maintaining high standards of quality. With reliable partnerships across Europe and deep-rooted expertise, Spain's farmers and wholesalers will continue to play indispensable roles within the continental food chain, proving resilient amid the challenges posed by nature and market dynamics.
